Jailbird

usgb/ˈdʒeɪlbɜːrd/
noun

A person who spends a lot of time in prison often because they commit a lot of crimes.

Despite his efforts to reform himself, he had the reputation of a jailbird in his hometown.
Visual representation of "jailbird" - A person who spends a lot of time in prison often because they commit a lot of crimes.

Often appears as...

  • notorious jailbird
  • habitual jailbird

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

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Visual representation of "jailbird"
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Negative Connotation

The term 'jailbird' often implies a negative judgment about the person's criminal behavior.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The old town gossip referred to the recently released man as a jailbird.
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Colloquial Use

'Jailbird' is informal and mostly used in casual speech, not in formal writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
At the family barbecue, Uncle Joe joked about his youth as a jailbird.
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Cultural Perception

In some cultures, calling someone a 'jailbird' can be a serious insult.

Illustration for Cultural Perception
When she called him a jailbird, everyone knew the argument had escalated.
Visual representation of the word "Jailbird"

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